Steph Curry has been a promising NBA player throughout his brief career, but he has been hampered by ankle injuries. He played in just 26 of the Dubs' 66 games a year ago.

Golden State has put their faith in the 24-year-old after they traded away his talented high-priced backcourt mate, Monta Ellis. Seeing as how the biggest piece from that trade, Andrew Bogut, hasn't played a single game in Oakland, the Dubs are more dependent on Curry than ever.

So far this season, he's more than reassuring that faith.

Curry's health has been sound, and he's been the heartbeat of the Golden State Warriors' meteoric rise to contention in the West. Curry averages 20.9 PPG and 6.6 APG and is shooting over 45 percent from behind the arc. That consistency is unparalleled this season.

The result has been a winning record and palpable momentum every time the Dubs walk on the court. Golden State can play with any team, as evidenced by their wins over the Heat, Clippers (x3), and Thunder.

Curry has been the catalyst for the Warriors, and he's been one of the best overall players in the first half of the NBA season.